Netherlands vs Spain: Netherlands Reach 2010 FIFA World Cup for the third time after 1974 and 1978
Netherlands have made it to the final of the World Cup for the third time in their football history. The first time was in 1974, then in 1978, and now in 2010 (defeating Uruguay 3-2). The teams involved in the three tournaments have all been exceptionally strong and have all had amazingly talented players. The style of football, though, has changed dramatically since then, as the Dutch National side has transformed from playing 'Total Football' to a more conventional style of play, one which is more pragmatic than their style, even in the last decade.
Although the current side possesses players of great attacking talent such as Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Robin van Persie, the team has a very 'European' defensive mentality to it. In the last World Cup, the Dutch were criticized for being overly attacking and it seems that after the departure of Van Basten, the new Coach, Bert van Marwijk, has put into place a much more balanced formation which has led to the undoing of the mighty Brazil.
As they arrive in the final for the third time, the Dutch National side are facing one of the best passers of the game in Spain. The Spanish are the masters of the art of possession and have already been marked as firm favourites to lift the trophy. However, if anyone knows about masterful passing, it is the Dutch. During the 1974 and 1978 World Cups, the world of football was treated to some of the most extraordinary football ever seen. The debut of 'Total Football' in the international arena was initially met with scepticism and disbelief, but eventually everyone was completely won over by the way the Dutch went about their game.
The team had the Dutch Legend Cruyff as its Captain, and was, without a doubt, the best side of that generation. All ten outfield players could be seen charging forward in a line when pressing for the ball and continuously changing positions, switching with each other, in what was indisputably the most fluid formation known in football. The Dutch are known as underachievers for a reason though, and so it was sad when arguably the best footballing side of all time failed to lift the biggest footballing trophy, not once but twice in succession.
There have been better attacking teams in the World Cup this year than the Netherlands. There have also been better defensive teams than the Netherlands, but there is no other team that understands the possession and passing football used by Spain than the Dutch, and it is for this reason that they are in the best position possible to defeat the European Champions.
The Dutch Coach, Bert van Marwijk, has mentioned on several occasions how the Dutch sides of 1974 and ‘78 have been an inspiration, but that is not all they have been. He revealed to the media that he has been in constant touch with players like Johan Cruyff and Ruud Krol, two of the members of that side. The Dutch coach has been very eager to use their experience and advice in order to improve the chances of his team, and is convinced that he knows how to beat the Spanish at their own game.
It remains to be seen whether the Dutch will be able to overcome the biggest hurdle in their way as they look to finally secure the World Cup, a trophy they're due, but no matter which way it goes, the match will be one of the most interesting ones of the tournament in terms of the tactical side. It could prove to be a recreation of the 1974 final between West Germany and Netherlands, though with the Dutch now playing more like the Germans of the 70s.
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